China Dreaming

Platform for Art is delighted to present photography by students from the old and the new capitals of China, Nanjing and Beijing – and from London.

This exhibition, in partnership with London Gallery West and University of Westminster showcases new contemporary photography by young Chinese artists in celebration of Chinese New Year.

The work explores the extraordinary differences emerging in the lives of young people, the appearance of the city and the contrasts with ancient traditions, as China continues to be the world’s fastest expanding economy.

The students study at Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, and the University of Westminster, London. Their work explores genres from documentary to fantasy and presents an exciting mix of journeys into the past and future. They have explored youth culture and identity and the impact of new technology.

The exhibition represents the dreams and visions of these young photographers.

About the project partners:

London Gallery WestLondon Gallery West is the gallery at the heart of the University of Westminster’s Harrow campus which exhibits contemporary media, art and design work. The gallery showcases the work of the campus as well as hosting exhibitions of local, national and international artists.

University of WestminsterUniversity of Westminster was founded in 1838 as the Polytechnic Institution, Britain’s first such educational institution. Leading the way in developing new technologies, the University opened the first ever photographic studio in Europe. The university is located in central London and in Harrow and has more than 23,000 students of which 4,000 are international students, from over 160 overseas nations, making Westminster one of the top 15 most popular UK universities for international students.
For more information visit: www.wmin.ac.uk

Nanjing Arts Institute and Nanjing Normal UniversityNanjing Arts Institute and Nanjing Normal are universities based in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province. At different periods Nanjing has served as the capital of China and throughout its 600 year history has occupied an important position in the development of Chinese Culture.

Nanjing Normal University is among one of the earliest universities authorized by China’s Ministry of Education to open up to the outside world. Since 1978, the university has established ties of academic exchange and cooperation with 44 overseas universities. The history of Nanjing Normal University can be traced back to the “Sanjiang Normal Institute” established at the end of the Qing Dynasty.

Central Academy of Fine Arts, BeijingSince the Central Academy of Fine Arts was founded 85 years ago, it has established a reputation as one of the leading art and design schools in China, its success as a higher education institution is based on offering the highest quality of educational experience through delivery of well-structured courses and a team of academic members of staff consisted of China’s most eminent artists, designers and theorists.